CCNY CSA

tion. One does not have to be of Caribbean heritage to obtain membership within this organization. A love of our culture, an open mind and a willingness to learn the various elements of what makes us who we are, is all that is required of our members. The Caribbean community should take pride in the fact that they have contributed greatly to the prestige and scholarship of the City College. During the last four decades, the influx of African-American and Caribbean students to the City College was met with serious opposition and many had to struggle to receive the education that many of us now take for granted. In the 1960’s, the plan to integrate the City University system made City College the prime institution to initiate that change. It was during that decade that the Caribbean Students Association emerged and provided leadership in scholarships, culture, politics, science and sports. Today, we continue in that tradition as our main goals are to keep our community/members abreast with what’s going on in the various Caribbean countries and about notable Caribbean people around the globe as well as encouraging unity amongst our islands. During the spring semesters, the members of our organization organize Caribbean Week, a week of cultural festivities ranging from food sales, lectures, cultural shows, fetes and carnival portraying various aspects of the different islands. We encourage students to get involved in campus activities such as voting in Student Government Elections, filing for scholarships, joining student based committees, and attending workshops that would help them to further advance in their life’s goals. As students of Caribbean descent, we should exercise and be aware of the factors that affect African people throughout the Diaspora. There is absolutely nothing wrong with defending the land and people from whence you came. Therefore, we strongly encourage our members to proudly uplift their country while nevertheless, respecting the culture of their sister islands. As students pursuing your dreams of a profession and a decent life for your family, we must not lose sight of the fact that everything around us has an affect on our lives. If we can help to make your college experience an enlightening one, feel free to be part of the Caribbean Students Association. Our motto is to educate, stimulate and encourage each other to make our college experience as fulfilling as possible. We hope that our brothers and sisters will join us in making C.S.A an organization of true ‘West Indian’ Unity!

“WATER SHOULD DIVIDE LANDS, NOT MINDS”